NOTE: Make sure you 'enable images' to see this e-bulletin properly.
WHAT IS THIS? You are receiving this e-bulletin because you are subscribed to the Music Bulletin. Unsubscribe information is given at the bottom of this e-bulletin.

So, good old Terry Wogan seemed more downbeat than ever at the end of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night, despite being one of only three commentators at the event to get a name check during the proceedings. The downbeatenness was due to Britain's performance in this year's big Contest – we came last, in case you didn't know – coupled with an increasing frustration at Eurovision's infamously political voting, and possibly as a result of Terry having drunk that quantity of wine that sits somewhere between tipsy and all out sloshed – you know, the 'why oh why' stage.

It's no secret that political voting – where countries automatically award top marks to their neighbours – has become the norm at Eurovision, and of course that tends to favour the Eastern European contenders [a] because they seem more prone to support them next door and [b] there's a lot more of them meaning there are a lot more douze points to be awarded. Britain, who tended to always do OK at Eurovision, and Ireland, who had a habit of always winning, have perhaps suffered most as a result of the expanded Contest. After all, if the UK didn't get an automatic place in the final (thanks to our financial contribution to the proceedings), it's likely that we, like Ireland, would not have even been performing on Saturday night.

So down was Terry with it all, that after Russia's win on Saturday night, and confirmation next year's Contest would be in Moscow, he told British Eurovision viewers "I have to decide whether I want to do this again", before adding "Western European countries have to decide whether to compete when they stand so little chance of winning". Since Terry's conclusions, a Liberal Democrat MP with possibly too much time on his hands has tabled a House Of Commons motion saying the BBC should withdraw the £173,000 it puts into the Contest because of the voting farce.

But surely such political voting has become as much part of the Eurovision thing as Wogan's famously sarcastic commentary, and while it has put some of us older Eurovision entrants into the lower league, it's not fair to say that political votes always decide the winner. OK, Russia and Serbia may have won the last two, but both Finland and Greece have taken the title since the arrival of the Eastern Europeans and their sneaky cartel voting. It's harder for Britain to be victorious in the modern Eurovision, but I don't think it's a total impossibility.

Because here's the thing. Terry seemed especially disappointed because he reckoned this year's UK entry was good. I disagree, I thought it was rubbish. I've just made myself listen to it five times in a row, and I still can't remember how it goes. Andy Abraham may have put in their performance of his life, but a rubbish song is a rubbish song. It may have not been the worst song performed on Saturday night, but at least most of the other rubbish songs had some of that Eurovision quirkiness about them, rather than just being the sort of thing you'd normally find on the b-side of some bland teen star's second single.

The UK, despite having one of the most vibrant songwriting communities in the world, and a hugely successful pop industry, has entered a lot of rubbish songs into Eurovision in the last few years. The last one that I can actually hum was the Jessica Garlick performed 'Come Back' which, it's worth noting, came third. Frankly, we're just not trying.

Of course the problem is that we here in Britain have long loved Eurovision in an ironic sense, meaning most genuinely credible songwriters and artists worry about getting involved. And given our tendency to come last these days, big name songwriters and artists worry about the embarrassment of putting themselves forward only to be knocked down by a bunch of overly loyal to their own Eastern Europeans. But, that said, a number of genuinely talented musicians have expressed an interest in getting involved. I sense that the two things that are stopping them are the bureaucrats that manage the UK's Eurovision entry, and the requirement to get over the tedious hurdle of the first stage where BBC 1 viewers get to pick which song goes forward to the main event.

I'd suggest sacking the current Eurovision team, bringing in some fresh talent, getting rid of the British heat stage, and securing some of the country's best songwriting and performing talent – and sending in a genuinely good song performed by one of our best proper pop bands. A brilliant and cool song in itself isn't enough, of course, France's entry this time proved that, but with a bit of strategic thinking and the best of British on board, I reckon we could win over even some Eastern European votes come Moscow 2009.

And if we do and we don't – well then I'll join Terry in a chorus of why oh why oh why oh why.

Anyway, I ought to plug the CMU Social tenth birthday bash. So, if you fancy joining in on a Eurovision rant, do so on our Yahoo! blog, or come along to 229 next Tuesday and we can do it in person. Or if you think getting serious about Eurovision is a bit sad, well, come along and mock us. That could be fun too.

CREATIVE MANAGER
A leading management company based in North London is looking to recruit a Creative Manager. Applicants for this new position within the organisation should have in depth experience of the following: 1. Artwork origination process from concept to production and 2. Video commissioning.
In addition the successful applicant must have great communication skills with both colleagues and artists along with an up to date knowledge of current creative trends. An ability to work under pressure on multiple projects is also essential. To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to creativemanager2008@gmail.com.

--

FABRIC PRESS DEPARTMENT
We are looking for someone to join us within the fabric Press Department. We're looking for someone who has a few years experience within a London/UK music based PR agency or in-house department; experience in plugging/managing radio campaigns (London, national, regional & international experience all advantageous); who understands radio globally and has contacts appropriate to fabric within radio - online, digital, commercial, pirate, community, government subsidised radio, podcasts; has experience with print/online/digital PR campaigns (London, national, regional, student & international experience all advantageous); has experience with industry, trade, internal business, corporate and event press (advantageous but not essential); has strong copy writing skills; is friendly, passionate, savvy, honest, hard working, highly organised, very diligent and a completer finisher; has very strong administrational and organisational skills, is computer literate and numerate; is extremely flexible in time and outlook; has a good understanding of electronic music and knows what fabric's ethos is. Salary to commensurate on experience; start date is immediate. Please send CV and covering letter emailed to Pearl Jones - pearl@fabriclondon.com. Closing date for applicants: 5pm Wednesday May 28, 2008.

--

ADVERTISING MANAGER AT ROCK SOUNDRock Sound Magazine is looking for an Advertising Manager. The role consists of maximising sales and key account management across the display and classified areas of the magazine, as well as the website, and dealing with the music industry at both direct client and advertising agency level. The candidate should be into rock music, have at least one year's display sales experience, good contacts at record labels and advertising agencies and have strong phone and presentational skills. Experience of selling to lifestyle brands would be an advantage. If you think you're the right person please email patrick.napier@rock-sound.net explaining why and attaching your CV.

THE NEW WINE
Makers of irrefutably danceable synth-pop, The New Wine, are the musical bridge between critically lauded beat masters Ratatat, UK electro duo To My Boy and the work of chiptune composer Koji Kondo. Based in Norway, they remain unsigned and though having lined up a selection of gigs (including, erm, the ubiquitous Eggstockfestivalen) they don't seem to be escaping their home county, Hordaland, never mind their home country, anytime soon. MySpace is your first and only point of call, therefore, where you can listen to four songs, including 'Connection' - one of their best offerings – which turns a synth hook from the intro to one of QVC's shopping programmes into a addictively simple pop song. Great stuff. Head to the link below to explore.

EX-TING TINGS LABEL HITS BACK
The owner of Switchflicker Records, Jayne Compton, who released The Ting Tings 'That's Not My Name' on 7" vinyl, has responded to those previously reported accusations that she is selling copies of the single at inflated prices on eBay.

Writing on their MySpace blog last week, the chart-topping Ting Tings said: "Unfortunately, when we put our first limited 500 vinyl copies of 'That's Not My Name' out with a friend last year for kicks, she kept some vinyl back from us and you and is now trying to sell them to you guys for £60 a piece. This is nothing to do with us, as we would never charge that money for our singles. We pressed up 500 copies which we put on our credit card because we had no money".

However, Compton has now issued a statement in retaliation. She said: "Switchflicker Records supported The Ting Tings in the early stages of their career and released 1000 copies of their debut single ('That's Not My Name'/'Great DJ') in June of last year. Switchflicker has the invoice, order form and credit card receipt to prove that the label paid for these and NOT The Ting Tings (as stated on the The Ting Tings' Myspace). These 7" vinyl copies were sold at £2 each. Switchflicker is selling the remaining stock (which the label owns) at today's market price. (People have already sold unsigned copies for £50 on eBay)".

She added: "The Ting Tings signed a multi-option recording agreement with Columbia Records and publishing agreement with Sony-ATV Music Publishing. Both deals have reportedly provided the band with significant income. Switchflicker is, by contrast, a small independent label, which has made no profit in respect of releasing the single which brought the band to everyone's attention. Switchflicker wishes them well".

RAPPERS SUED BY JAZZ LEGEND
Rappers Kanye West, Method Man, Redman and Common are all being sued by the estate of the late jazz saxophonist Joe Farrell, for sampling his music without permission.

Farrell's daughter, Kathleen Firrantello, filed the lawsuit against the hip hoppers and their various labels (all of which are owned by Universal) last Thursday. In all cases, the rappers are accused of using portions of 'Upon This Rock', which Farrell released in 1974, without gaining (or seeking) approval beforehand.

The tracks in question are West's 'Gone', Common's 'Chi-City' (which was co-written and produced by West), and 'Run 4 Cover' by Method Man and Redman.

I'M NOT TRYING TO GET ANY MONEY SWEETIE: R KELLY TRIAL UPDATE
A singer who once collaborated with R Kelly, and was signed to his label, has said she has no doubt that it is the R&B star in that much previously reported sex tape. She also claims to recognise, and to be related to, the girl who also appears, and alleges that she had personally introduced the girl to Kelly.

Stephanie 'Sparkle' Edwards gave evidence last week as the prosecution continued to present its case at the high profile R Kelly trial. He, as you'll remember, is accused of filming himself having sex with an underage girl. The tape at the heart of the case was played to the jury on day one, but it is not especially easy to identify the people in it. The prosecution claim the man is Kelly, and also that they know the identity of the girl too, and that she could have been as young as 13 when the video was made between 1998 and 2000. Kelly's people deny it is him in the recording, and also dispute the prosecution's claims regarding the identity of the victim – partly because the girl herself denies it is her in the tape.

Edwards claims she first saw the video in late 2001 after being contacted by a Chicago lawyer called Buddy Meyers. She says she recognised both Kelly and her young relative instantly – adding "You know your blood. There's no denying it". She said that as soon as she saw the tape she arranged for the girl's direct family to meet with Meyers, but said that the girl's parents, while initially agreeing to a meeting, suddenly got a change of heart. She told the court: "That same night Buddy wanted the family to see the tape. They were on the way, but communication stopped and they did not want to see the tape". I'm assuming there's some kind of implication there that someone got to the family before the meeting could take place.

Cross examining Edwards, Kelly's defence were keen to show that the singer had a vendetta against their client, and that she was making claims in relation to the video in a bid to tarnish his name, and possibly for financial gain. They suggested Edwards was angry that she had been dropped from Kelly's label, and alleged that at the time the video first surfaced she had been in conversation with Barry Hankerson, Kelly's former manager with whom he parted company somewhat acrimoniously. Edwards and Hankerson together had reason to hurt Kelly, they said. But Edwards denied she had any vendetta to pursue in 2001, telling the court "he [Kelly] was still my homeboy [then]".

On the allegations that Edwards may be motivated by financial gain, Kelly's legal team asked Edwards why she arranged a family meeting with Meyers after seeing the tape, rather than going to the police. Asking Edwards "you know that Buddy is a personal injury lawyer, he sues people?", lawyer Ed Genson suggested Edwards was motivated by the possibility of gaining financially from any legal action taken in relation to the the video, possibly to repay royalties she believed she was owed by Kelly in relation to their collaborations. An increasingly tetchy Edwards responded: "Sweetie, I am not trying to get any money. It is Robert and [the girl] on the tape".

SLICK RICK PARDONED
Veteran rapper Ricky 'Slick Rick' Walters received a full and unconditional pardon from New York governor David Paterson last week in relation to a 1991 shooting in which Walters was accused of and pleaded guilty to attempted murder charges. The then Def Jam signed rapper served five years in jail for the crime, being released on parole in 1997 and discharged in 2000.

Despite serving his time, Walters has been in a battle with the authorities in relation to the shooting ever since because of various attempts to have him deported on account of his being British by birth. Attempts were stepped up after the introduction of a new US law in 1996 that stated that any non-national guilty of a violent crime in America should be deported, and again more recently after the policing of that law was stepped up post-9/11.

Attempts by some to deport the rapper continue, which was presumably the motivation for Paterson to formally pardon Walters, on the basis he has led a good life since his crime, including participating on a voluntary basis in programmes that encourage young New Yorkers to shun violence. The pardon does not automatically veto deportation attempts under US law, though it does show that the rapper has friends in high places, and may persuade any bureaucrats still seeking his removal from the country that it just aint worth it.

Responding to the pardon, Walters told reporters: "My family and I are eternally thankful to Governor Paterson, my attorneys and all of the people who have supported me throughout the past seventeen years. This has been a long and difficult road and I am happy for this to be settled once and for all. I look forward to enjoying this time with my family and friends and to continue leading an honest and productive life".

Walters, who rose to fame through his 1988 Def Jam album 'The Great Adventures of Slick Rick', is frequently cited as a major influence by the next generation of rappers, including the likes of Outkast, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z.

COURTNEY LOVE REVEALS FRAUD
Courtney Love has claimed on her MySpace blog that her lawyer and accountant have been taking money from her fraudulently, and also asked fans to help her find new representatives.

She said: "Due to a lawyer without power of attorney illegally signing $2.2 million in cheques when I was in the UK, everything he signed was 85 per cent fraud. Then, out of spite, his friend overpaid my taxes by about 400 per cent. No lawyer on this earth will agree that your criminal lawyer is by law allowed to write your contracts which include him wetting his beak at $175k for every deal you make! Toxic man. My police report for $2.4 million is filed and public now".

She closed the post, saying: "Is anyone's daddy a fraud lawyer? Forensic? A great Washington lawyer simple and plain and a winner? I am the champ, by the way, my FBI guy said in 28 years in law enforcement he's never seen personal embezzlement or even embezzlement at this level, ever".

XZIBIT'S SON DIES
US rapper Xhibit has announced the death of his newborn son, Xavier Kingston Joiner, who was born prematurely back on 15 May, and tragically, has failed to survive. The 'Pimp My Ride' star, real name Alvin Joiner, reported the news via his MySpace blog around just an hour or so after the infant passed away yesterday.

"Well, this week was extremely difficult for him, because his lungs were not strong enough to handle regular oxygen on his own," he wrote. "Xavier passed away this morning at 3.30 am and I must tell you this, it is unnatural for a parent to bury a child."

Explaining his reasons for announcing the news to fans so quickly, he continued: "I am telling you this because of the same reason I tell you when I'm having great times, life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids if you have them, protect them and show them you love them everyday you wake up and see them. Don't take a second you get to hug them, teach them and care for them for granted. You can have all the material wealth in the universe but it is nothing compared to having your family. I am thankful for all of my blessings and I'm not one to question God's perfect plan. So I leave you with great love and thanks for the love that was sent earlier on my previous blog to my son."

--------------------------------------------------

MCR ON TEEN'S SUICIDE
My Chemical Romance have made a statement via their website, following all this hoo-hah about the emo genre that's occurred due to the suicide of thirteen year old music fan Hannah Bond. As previously reported, the coroner presiding over the inquest into her death, Roger Sykes, made comments linking her decision to kill herself to her apparently obsessive interest in emo, and also described the genre's music as "disturbing".

The statement reads: "We have recently learned of the suicide and tragic loss of Hannah Bond. We'd like to send our condolences to her family during this time of mourning. Our hearts and thoughts are with them."

In reference to the allegations that their music could encourage suicide, the band continued: "My Chemical Romance are and always have been vocally anti-violence and anti-suicide. As a band, we have always made it one of our missions through our actions to provide comfort, support, and solace to our fans. The message and theme of our album 'The Black Parade' is hope and courage. Our lyrics are about finding the strength to keep living through pain and hard times. The last song on our album states: "I am not afraid to keep on living" – a sentiment that embodies the band's position on hardships we all face as human beings. If you or anyone that you know have feelings of depression or suicide, we urge you to find your way and your voice to deal with these feelings positively".

As previously reported, UK MCR fans are planning to march to the offices of the Daily Mail on Saturday to protest the negative media depiction of the band in the wake of Bond's death.

UTAH PHILLIPS DIES
US folk singer, storyteller and poet Bruce Phillips, more commonly known as U. Utah Phillips, has died at the age of 73 from heart-failure. He was at his home in Nevada City, California, when he passed away, according to family spokesman Jordan Fisher Smith, and had been suffering from chronic heart disease since 2004. Smith added that those health problems had, in the last few years, cut short the extensive touring schedules that characterised his career, though he had kept in touch with fans via the internet with help from his sun Duncan.

The singer, known as the 'golden voice of the great southwest', was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to politically active parents. He served in the US Army in the fifties, and spent time in Korea, an experience which it's said influenced his political thinking. A champion for the rights of working people, he once ran for senate as a member of the Peace And Freedom Party. A lifelong rail fan, he recorded several albums with a railroad theme, his most famous track being one called 'Moose Turd Pie' – a single from his first album which tells a tall tale of serving animal excrement to railway workers. It was this song that gained a degree of airplay on US radio in the early seventies, and helped bring the singer to popular attention, his career gaining momentum due to his touring, reaching a peak in 2000 with a Grammy nod.

Jordan Fisher Smith told the AP: "He was a man who was amazingly funny. And what I saw in the last two years of his life was a human being even more beautiful than he was in performance".

Phillips is survived by his wife Joanna Robinson, three children and two stepchildren.

NAS VIDEO MAY PROVE CONTROVERSIAL TOO
Despite reluctantly agreeing to change the name of his new album from 'Nigger' to, well, nothing, Nas is still likely to court controversy with his new long player, not least through the song 'Be A Nigger Too', which was released online earlier this month. US reports suggest a video for the track is about to be unleashed, and it too could cause offence. An e-card promoting the video has gone online and reportedly shows feet bound with a rope swinging above a lawn, suggesting some kind of hanging. The flyer promises a New York premiere screening for the video, though gives no date. According to New York's Hot 97, the video has been directed by Rik Cordero, features several celeb cameos, and takes its plot line from a film dealing with race relations in America.

MUMM-RA SPLIT
Indie rock types (I know they're that, because they appeared on the NME Indie Rock tour last year) Mumm-Ra have announced that they've split, after just the one album, but quite a few years together. The Sussex five-piece revealed the news via their MySpace page, without giving any real reason for the break-up.

The announcement said: "After seven years, 11 months and 21 days of writing and playing music together us Mumm-Ra boys have decided our journey as a band has come to an end. It has without doubt been the most fantastic adventure any of us could possibly have imagined all those years ago, when the rather naive idea to form a band sprang from our young minds and led us to the nearest practice room. Since then we have eaten in skyscrapers in Tokyo, danced with Tottenham fans in Cologne, made a video in Hollywood, posed with the playboy bunnies in Barcelona, met real life rednecks in Texas, had street fights with The View, played Glastonbury, rocked the NME tour to pieces, supported The Killers, The Kooks and Kaiser Chiefs around Europe and generally just had the most incredible time along the way".

"We would like to thank every single person who has supported us over the years whether it be through buying our album, coming to our gigs or just giving us a listen. No doubt various members will have new projects up and running in the near future. But until then..."

GUITAR HERO ANNOUNCES NEXT GENERATION
Activision, the manufacturers of 'Guitar Hero', have announced the next version of the popular video game, 'Guitar Hero: World Tour', which will go on sale later this year. In this edition, players will be able to use new peripherals, made by RedOctane, to play drums and sing along with famous rock songs, as well as playing the standard guitar, bringing it in line with rival game 'Rock Band', which already offers these features.

As well as the new peripherals, 'Rock Band: World Tour' will also add music by Linkin Park, Van Halen, The Eagles and Sublime to its catalogue of songs, as artists and label recognise it as a lucrative new revenue stream. Users will also be able to create, customise and share their own music with a new 'Music Studio' feature.

Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane said in a statement. "With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customisation options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever".

NEW JAZZ AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Herbie Hancock and that Michael Buble character have both got three nominations at the first ever International Jazz Awards. I don't know what makes these new jazz awards more international than any other, but whatever – they'll take place in Beverly Hills on 29 Jun. Nominees were selected by a 200 person panel of jazz critics, promoters, DJs and retailers. Buble is up for Best Vocal Performance, and Album and Song Of The Year, while Hancock is shortlisted in the Producers Of The Year, Best Instrumental and Album Of The Year categories. The awards bash will be hosed by US comedian DL Hughley and will also feature musical tributes to Lena Horne, Count Basie, Clint Eastwood, George and Ira Gershwin and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

MADONNA AND P DIDDY AUCTION THEMSELVES
Madonna and P Diddy were amongst those auctioning off items at the annual Cinema Against AIDS gala in Cannes last week.

Madonna sold a private show for 350,000 Euros (£279,000). The two winning bidders, who remained anonymous, will be granted an audience with the singer backstage at a forthcoming concert, where she will sing two songs for them.

P Diddy offered the chance to spend 24 hours with him, which went for 200,000 Euros (£159,000). He promised to "wake up with" the winning bidder.

ALBUM REVIEW: The Pigeon Detectives - Emergency (Dance To The Radio)
Has Matt Bowman, frontman of this Leeds five piece, been viciously dumped in the last six months? With tracks on second album 'Emergency' bearing titles like 'I'll Be Waiting', 'She's Gone', 'Say It Like You Mean It', and 'Love You For A Day (Hate You For A Week)', it sounds like a warm cup of soup and a loving hug from his mum is in order. Packed with the musical sensibilities of The Arctic Monkeys, the sentimentality of The Kooks and the song writing abilities of neither, 'Emergency' will be bliss for any indie aficionados who believe music began with The Strokes and ended with The Libertines. Sadly, this album suffers from that difficult second album 'every song sounds the same' syndrome; like my previous clause, the units in the composition differ, but the overall sound is jarringly similar. The band is at its best when it breaks from the pure indie mould and the tempo picks up with jaunty, bopping numbers like 'I'm A Liar' and 'You Don't Need It', a sure fire festival circuit sing-a-long. Nevertheless, at their worst, The Pigeon Detectives stoop into barely average pop-rock territory. All the tunes are perfectly respectable, and it's easy to understand how such a band could get signed - more's the pity perhaps - but a lack of inspired, stand out tracks make the album a fun but forgettable experience. RL
Release Date: 26 May
Press Contact: Motion PR [O]

HAGAR WON'T TOUR WITH VAN HALEN UNTIL EDDIE IS CLEAN
Van Halen guitarist Sammy Hagar has said that there's no way he'll join the band on tour unless leader Eddie Van Halen proves he's completely clean. As previously reported, tour dates were delayed last year when the musician checked into rehab, but he's now back on the road with his son Wolfgang on bass. Hagar was rumoured to be set to also rejoin the group, but he says it's not so.

"That's just not something I'm really interested in doing again right now", he's quoted as saying. "Eddie would have to be able to bring himself back to ground zero; by that, I mean he'd have to be completely clean. After the last Van Hagar tour, Eddie became my enemy; he wasn't the same guy he was when we started the Van Hagar era of the band; he made what should have been a great experience just down right miserable. When I say that, I'm talking about the Eddie Van Halen that is struggling with his personal demons... Last time I saw Eddie, he was in really bad shape. I did see a recent photo and he looks healthier than he has in a long time. That, to me, is a great thing, Eddie has all the support on the planet from me if he is finally getting his shit together."

PETE DOHERTY TO PLAY CLUB SHOWS
Pete Doherty will play two intimate shows at Mass in Brixton this week. The singer kicked off a three night residency at the venue last night. He will play an acoustic solo show tonight and return with the rest of Babyshambles on Friday. Tickets for the shows are only available on the door and Doherty will be on stage at 9pm for both shows. If you fancy it, you're advised to get there early. Like, stop reading this and run!

RADIOHEAD'S GREEN TOUR PRAISED BY LIARS
Liars, who recently supported Radiohead on the first leg of their US tour, have posted a message on their MySpace blog commending Radiohead for the steps they have taken to make the tour as eco-friendly as possible.

The band said: "At the outset we were all given tour water flasks. Plastic anything is like contraband. Every bus and truck runs on bio-fuel. There is no idling, rather some new-fangled way to deliver electricity cleanly. They don't do air freight either. The list goes on... Everything is supremely managed to reduce the 'footprint' and it's inspiring in that it's 'real' and should set the standard for other big productions. This all goes beyond the immediate impact of simply being able to watch these 5 guys perform together each night".

They added: "In a world full of fear and ripe with insincerity it's such a relief to have met Radiohead. They are purveyors of truth, beauty and a moral responsibility to the planet. We've been welcomed with literal open arms and thoroughly schooled on how to function as a band - not just musically, but ethically too".

UNIVERSAL LAUNCH FRENCH CREDIT CARD
Corporate partnerships anyone? Universal Music and French bank Societe Generale has launched a new co-branded credit card which, as well as offering tedious things like credit, will also give card holders access to a bespoke music portal featuring streams, downloads, ticket competitions and a web TV service based around artists signed to Universal France. The card is only available to customers of the French bank though, so only one for you Daily readers in France really.

ERICCSON RE-SIGN AT MTV EMA SPONSOR
More sponsorship type shenanigans, and MTV has announced that Sony Ericsson has signed up to a two year sponsorship gig with its Europe Music Awards, which are due to take place in sunny Liverpool this year. The phone firm has already been associated with the big awards show for the last two years.

Ericsson marketing man Greg Varner told CMU: "Sony Ericsson is proud to announce our involvement with the MTV Europe Music Awards in Liverpool later this year. Young people are using their mobiles to enjoy music and entertainment more than ever before. Therefore the MTV Europe Music Awards partnership is an ideal route to provide our customers with exciting content, enriched communication and entertainment experiences and most importantly access to their favourite music artists".

US PIRATE FACES JAIL
A member of a US content-piracy group called the, wait for, Apocalypse Production Crew, could face up to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal copyright infringement last week. Barry Gitarts, who operated under the alias of Dextro, uploaded all kinds of unlicensed content, including music, films and games, and made it available to others via the "closed piracy ring". The US authorities have been targeted individuals involved in APC for several years, and Gitarts is not the first to be successfully charged. A spokesman for the US Attorney's Office said the pirate faced a maximum of five years in prison, a fine for $250,000 and three years of supervised release. Take note kids.

WOOLIES CONSIDERS SALE OF 2ENTERTAIN SHARE
Woolies has confirmed it is considering selling its stake in 2Entertain, a joint venture business with BBC Worldwide which, among other things, owns the Demon Music Group. It told the City last week: "Woolworths Group plc notes the recent press speculation regarding its stake in 2Entertain. The company can confirm that it is considering its options with regard to this stake which may or may not lead to a transaction". 2Entertain - which also owns 2Entertain Video and Banana Split Productions – has enjoyed quite a bit of success in recent years, more so than Woolies itself, and a sale of it could bring the retailer a useful cash boost.

FCC RULING ON XM SIRIUS MERGER COULD COME SOON
The chair of US media regulator the FCC, Kevin Martin, told a press conference last week that a decision on the merger between US satellite firms Sirius and XM could come by the end of June. As much previously reported, Sirius and XM have been wanting to merge for ages, but are awaiting regulator approval. Whether they get the go ahead depends on whether the regulator agrees with them that, although a combined Sirius XM would have a monopoly in the US satellite radio market, they face such strong competition from the terrestrial radio industry and new online radio services, their merger would not be anti-competitive. The FCC have not been keen on the merger since the word go, and some reckon they will give the go ahead but with strict conditions neither Sirius or XM will want to fulfil.

SINGLE REVIEW: The Fratellis - Mistress Mabel (EMI)
It seems The Fratellis have done some growing up for their latest album; their new single 'Mistress Mabel', from the eponymous new album, does away with creeping up backstairs, adulterous propositions and hanging out with the has-beens and the addicts. Unfortunately, it seems The Fratellis have also done away with their wonderfully awkward rhythms. There are no squeaky off beat guitars or hurried vocals, a more straight-laced production powers along, with poppy enthusiasm and a piano bashing rhythm Scouting For Girls would be proud of - if they ditched Boy Scouts for Burlesque. 'Mistress Mabel' is a perfectly respectable pop single, but it is nowhere near as ambitious as earlier productions. "I'll be good" frontman Jon Fratelli sings - pity the music has to stick to the straight and narrow. RL
Release Date: 26 May
Press Contact: EMI IH [NP] Wild [CP, CR]

CHART UPDATE
So, Rihanna has moved up a slot to knock those Ting Tings off the top of the singles chart this week, though I'm not sure they'll mind, given the album chart news we're about to give you. Rihanna is now top singles wise with 'Take A Bow', while the Ting Tings 'That's Not My Name' is a 2, and Madonna and Justin stick fast at 3 with '4 Minutes'.

It's another slow week for new entries on the singles chart. Alphabeat go in at 23 with '10,000 Nights' (meaning they fill two consecutive positions in the chart – 23 with the new single and 22 with last single 'Fascination' - which you don't see too often), while you get Fratellis entering at 27 with 'Mistress Mabel', Zutons with 'Always Right Behind You' at 28 and Ting Tings with 'Great DJ' at 33. Snap's 'Rhythm Is A Dancer' re-enters at 36, showing the combined effect of the instant availability of digital back catalogue, and of the power of water adverts involving dancing Thunderbirds in selling music.

Albums wise is where you get the good news for those Ting Tings, who go straight in at one with debut album ‘We Started Nothing’. They push Neil Diamond into second place. New entries on the old album chart come from Beth Rowley with ‘Little Dreamer’ at 6, those Cistercian Monks and their chants at 9, an Osmonds best of at 11, Mick Hucknall and his ‘Tribute To Bobby’ at 18 and Foxboro Hot Tubs with ‘Stop Drop And Roll’ at 37.

STUDENT RADIO CHART
As played out live on air on student radio stations around the UK this Sunday at 3pm, it's the official Student Radio Chart from the Student Radio Association. More info at www.studentradiochart.com. This, by the way, is the last Student Radio Chart of the academic year.

LILY NOT DESPERATE, OKAY?
Lily Allen has responded to media speculation that she's getting back together with ex-boyfriend Ed Simons with some angry sounding words. The pair were photographed having lunch together last week, which sparked tabloid gossip.

The singer wrote on her MySpace blog, "I went for lunch with my ex-boyfriend yesterday. Lunch. I am not some failed baby making machine desperately to trying to win my man back. Sometimes I think these journalists are still living in the 1950s. No one knows anything about my relationships. Ed and I are friends, who went for lunch yesterday, that's it".

AMY FRUSTRATED BY BOND WAIT
According to reports, Amy Winehouse is frustrated that the producers of James Bond film Quantum Of Solace are taking a long time to decide whether to use one of her songs on the new movie. "I've done loads of Bond songs, there are loads of good ones I'm really happy with", she is quoted as saying. "I don't know what is wrong with them or what the problem is, to be honest. It's there, ready and done, and it's up to them if they want it or not".

Elsewhere in Amy news, she's denied reports that she's planning a trip to Israel for an expensive operation at the Barzilai Medical Centre that would aim to prevent drugs-cravings in the future. A spokeperson said of the story, reported by The Sun and the Jewish Chronicle: "These are just old rumours. She's going back in the studio and has absolutely no plans to go abroad for treatment".

BARLOW ON TAKE THAT MUSICAL
Gary Barlow has spoken to the BBC about that previously reported Take That musical 'Never Forget'. The band, you'll remember, have no involvement with the show, which recently opened at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End – EMI publishing licensed the songs to the musical's producers back in 2005, ahead of the group's successful comeback in 2006. When the production, which tells the story of a Take That tribute band, was first announced in 2007, Barlow et al quickly distanced themselves from it, saying it was "absolutely and 100% nothing to do with Take That".

Barlow, who hasn't seen the show, said: "At first I thought it sounded horrible. But the reports I've seen have been really good so there must be something good in it. I'm just worried that they're better than us. I've had some friends who went to see it in Manchester and they said the cast were amazing. I don't really know a lot about it, but the people I know that have been really had a good time." Speaking at the Ivor Novellos on Thursday, he went on to say that he didn't plan to attend, saying "I don't think we can sit in that audience somehow".

Daily Telegraph critic Charles Spencer was at the West End opening night, and he said it was "not nearly as terrible as I secretly hoped it would be".

RADIOHEAD MAN DEAFENED DURING RECORDING
Radiohead's Colin Greenwood has revealed that he was left temporarily deaf while the band recorded their recent album 'In Rainbows', after he used the wrong type of headphones. So, let that be a lesson to all of you.

He told Word: "[It was] a fucking nightmare. It came back, mostly. It doesn't feel like I'm talking to people underwater anymore. For a few months afterwards I'd be watching the telly and suddenly hear these high-pitched whistling noises as more and more high frequencies came back".

AARON CARTER BOOKED FOR SOME CELEBRITY REHAB
I'm not sure this is a good message to send to the kids. Get done for possessing marijuana, get a TV gig out of it. I hope they remind the average kid of the street that this only applies if you're an American teen star, brother of a Backstreet Boy and co-star of your own existing reality series. US popster Aaron Carter will appear on US TV series 'Celebrity Rehab' after his drug possession arrest earlier this year.

One of those sources told the National Enquirier: "Aaron has a terrible marijuana problem, and he's no longer being offered much work. At least by appearing on VH1, he will be back in the spotlight and get used to being in front of the camera again. And hopefully he can get sober at the same time. He made good money as a teenager, and when he turned 18, he got access to £1,35 million - before he knew it, it quickly was being whittled away".

SUBSCRIPTIONS>> CMU Daily is a free daily e-bulletin for people working in the music industry and music media, delivered direct to your PC each morning.

If you want to stop receiving this e-bulletin click the 'unsubscribe' button below and follow the instructions. If any of your colleagues want to receive the CMU Daily tell them to email their name, company, job title and email to daily.subscribe@cmumusicnetwork.co.uk.

If you would like to recieve the CMU Daily as a text email, send a blank email from the email address you are registered at to text@cmumusicnetwork.co.uk.

MEDIA PEOPLE>> If you want to run stories from the CMU Daily in your media, please credit it to UnLimited/CMU with a link to www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk - thanks! If you are looking for an independent quote on anything to do with the music business, or you need someone to come on your TV or radio show and talk music business, then we can help. There's nothing we don't know about. Email requests to chris@unlimitedmedia.co.uk or call 020 7099 9050.

Send news stories to musicnews@unlimitedmedia.co.uk. If we don't respond directly, we do apologise, only we get sent hundreds of emails a day and don't have time to respond to every one of them. However we do check every email sent to the musicnews email address, and do pull out stories that we feel are relevant to our readers.